Every product that arrives in New Zealand passes through the hands of dozens of people — freight forwarders, customs brokers, biosecurity officers, warehouse teams and more. These are real careers, with real pay, and most don't need a degree. Find the one that fits you.
Why It's Worth a Look
The import pathway is one of New Zealand's largest and most stable employers — and it's crying out for young people.
Most roles start with a certificate or on-the-job training. You can be earning while you learn.
Entry roles start around $50k, with senior and owner roles reaching $95k–$120k+.
You're part of global trade — moving goods between New Zealand and the rest of the planet.
Protecting our borders and biosecurity keeps New Zealand's $50B+ primary sector safe.
The Roles
Here's a taste. Launch the explorer to meet each person, hear their story, and see the training you can do today.
The puzzle-solver who coordinates shipments from overseas all the way to your door.
The precision expert who clears complex entries so trade keeps moving.
Protecting the border while keeping legitimate trade flowing.
The frontline for protecting Aotearoa's unique environment from pests.
Running the tech, robots and smart systems behind modern fulfilment.
The entrepreneur sourcing products globally and bringing them to Kiwis.
Keeping the country moving, carting containers and freight from port to shelf.
Follow the Shipment
From a Californian orchard to a Kiwi kitchen, every shipment passes through a chain of careers. Here's the journey — then step inside it in the explorer.
Scroll sideways to follow the full pathway →
Interactive Experience
Step through the journey of a real shipment. Click any role to meet the person behind it, see what they earn, how they got started, where they're heading next — and the Capability Solutions training that gets you there.
Launch the Career ExplorerTraining You Can Do Today
Stand out from other school leavers. There's a growing range of short, practical training to help you get career-ready for the import pathway — much of it online and able to be started right now.
We're adding training options from more providers over time. Open the Career Explorer to see which training fits each role, with direct links to enrol.
New to all this? Read our plain-English guide to import pathway careers in New Zealand.
Launch the Career ExplorerCourses You Can Start
Practical online courses you can start today, plus new ones on the way.
An introduction to New Zealand's biosecurity system: what it is, why it matters, and your role as someone handling imported goods. Suitable for staff across logistics, warehousing, freight, and business generally.
Enrol freeFor staff at MPI Approved Transitional Facilities. Understand H&S obligations, safe working procedures, and your responsibilities when handling imported goods under MPI oversight.
Enrol freeFor warehouse, packhouse and yard teams who work around forklifts but do not drive them. In about 30 minutes, learn how forklifts move, the danger zones, your duties, and the habits that keep people on foot safe.
Enrol freeBuild confidence and self-awareness at work. Learn to read behavioural styles, improve team dynamics, and communicate calmly and professionally with anyone. Ideal for all staff levels.
Enrol freeMaster Incoterms 2020 and know exactly where cost and risk transfer in any international trade deal. A practical, plain-English course for importers, exporters, and freight teams.
$179 + GST
Register your interestA clear introduction to how freight moves across the world, from booking through to delivery. Ideal for newcomers to logistics, freight, and supply chain roles.
$179 + GST
Register your interestQuestions
The import pathway covers freight forwarders, shipping line operations, NZ customs brokers, NZ Customs officers, MPI biosecurity officers, importers of record, 3PL and warehouse operators, distributors and retailers. Each plays a part in getting imported goods safely from overseas to New Zealand shelves.
No. Most import pathway roles start with a short certificate or on-the-job training, so you can earn while you learn. A degree is optional for some specialist or management roles later on.
Entry-level roles typically start around NZ$50,000 a year. With experience, senior and owner roles can reach NZ$95,000 to NZ$120,000 or more.
A good starting point is workplace induction training (first aid, health & safety, manual handling and forklift awareness) plus workplace culture and communication courses. If you'll be opening imported containers, add biosecurity awareness and transitional facility training.
Biosecurity protects Aotearoa New Zealand from pests and diseases that can arrive with imported goods. MPI biosecurity officers and Accredited Persons inspect sea containers and produce at the border and at transitional facilities, making it one of the most important careers in the pathway.